Monday, September 10, 2018

Learn The Tango: Latin America Active Adventures

By Ronald Stewart


The roots of the Argentine Tango run deep and can be traced bay to the 1800 s. At the time many Africans and Europeans found their way to Argentina. The gathered collectively in pubs and began to dance. The sensual, dramatic dance seeped with the longing and need of the people of the time. The partners displayed an intimate connection and every emotion was evident and it deserves to be mentioned as Latin America Active Adventures.

While the Tango music of today is quite upbeat it is by no means the type of music that characterizes the original Argentine Tango. The music primarily used for the dance is created on a German instrument that resembles an accordion. The instrument is called and Bandoneon and the sound emitted is melodic and carries undertones of romance. Modern-day variations of the Tango are classified as ballroom dancing, however, the original Argentine Tango was not intended as such.

Throughout history, the Argentine Tango was not seen as a competitive dance, it was done on a social level with dancers doing it for the fun and not to be compared to other dancers. However, times have changed and Tango competitions have become more prevalent.

The Annual Argentine Tango competition, World Tango Dance Tournament, has been held in Buenos Aires since 2003. The competition is a part of the Tango Festival celebrated in Argentina each year in August. Two sub-divisions are evident in the competition and each has characteristics that set it apart from the other.

Category one is referred to as Tango De Pista. This division must abide by strict rules. The use of traditional milonga figures us imperative. Category two is called Tango Escenario and is a more free form of the dance. The end results are properly choreographed and include a mixture of other dance disciplines like ballet as well. Since 2013 allowance has been made for the entrance of couples are of the same gender.

As the Argentine Tango was primarily borne as a mean of expression and took place on a social platform, it was never intended for it to become competitive in nature. Over time and as the dance evolved into the modern day Tango competition seemed the next logical step. Many people are still negative about the competitiveness, however, there are benefits that are quite considerable. It is human nature to strive to be better and competition provides the driving force to improve. The months running up to any competition are filled with extensive practice and training which encourage improvement and defining of your skills.

An Argentine Tango competition is the best place to put your skills to the test. This is where you find out if you really are as good as you think you are. A competition identifies areas where improvement is required. Nobody enjoys losing or receiving criticism, however, this should never be allowed to deny your self-esteem. It takes courage and confidence to dance and be judged, take the criticism constructively rather than to the heart. Be proud of your accomplishment and move on to becoming a better dancer.

As fierce as the competition is during one of these tournaments the camaraderie is something to be amazed at. While the contestants are dancing against each other, they are all experiencing the same nerves and applause as each other and they are all savouring the moments as they occur. You can t help but develop bonds with these people who have your same love at heart.




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